5 Foodie Things To Do in Ocean County This November

If you’re already in a tizzy about what to make for Thanksgiving…STOP! Before you get all worked up about side dishes and pie recipes, make sure you take some time for yourself this month. Here are some foodie ideas for you to enjoy…

* Even though it only started last year, Jersey Shore Restaurant Week has become a very fun and exciting restaurant event. Although most of the participating eateries are in Monmouth County, you also have locations in Toms River, Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights (just to name a few) that will also be offering a special menu. The special prix fixe menus will be available from November 5 to 14, and will be only $20.10 or $30.10, depending on the restaurant.

* Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson is trying a new wrinkle this fall: a food and wine event! The weekend of November 6 and 7 is Six Flags Grape Adventure (clever, huh). Enjoy tasting wines from a number of local wineries, and check out the battle for Jersey Shores’ Ultimate Chef. The safari will be open as well, so you can wine and dine with the animals. Mind you, serving alcohol to the animals is not recommended.

* For some of you, every day may be an Italian-kind of day. On November 12, Laurita Winery in New Egypt offers to you an Italian Night. The menu that night is inspired the northwestern Italian region of Lombardia – so out with the tomatoes and in with the butter! The fun starts at 7PM and is $49.95 per person.

* The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences is offering you the chance to eliminate the need to wash dishes. How is that possible? Simple: edible bowls! On November 15, take a class to learn how to make Chocolate Covered Pretzel Bowls from 6:30PM to 8:30PM. The cost of the class is $20, and only $10 for members of the foundation.

* If you want a more traditional cooking demonstration, Georgian Court University in Lakewood will be having The Fish & Seafood Show on November 15 (hmmm…a popular date) starting at 7PM. The cost of the class is $37 per person. Seating in limited, so you do need to call and reserve in advance. And if the class is sold out, there will be The Appetizer Show next month.

John and Lisa Howard-Fusco Regional Editors, Ocean County. Although they and their two kids call Ocean County home, their John and Lisa Are Eating in South Jersey food blog has them traveling all over the southern region of New Jersey. They and their blog have been mentioned in articles by the New York Times, Courier-Post, nj.com and njmonthly.com. Lisa has written articles and reviews for South Jersey magazine as well as for Ed Hitzel’s Restaurant Newsletter and Hitzel’s Restaurant Magazine. And John could use a Gaetano’s cheesesteak right about now.